Liam Dennis, 10, was distraught to discover his dream BMX had been taken from Cedarwood Primary School in Kesgrave, near Ipswich, before Christmas but is now “over the moon” after a kind-hearted reader bought him a brand new replacement, having learned of his loss.

Julie Dennis, Liam’s mum, said the family were “lost for words” when the police visited to tell them the good news. “We were just so grateful and thankful – it’s such a lovely thing for someone to do,” she said.

“I want to say a big thank you to him – Liam is over the moon.” Liam had bought the bike after pooling together all the pocket money he collected during two years of saving.

Mrs Dennis said her son “absolutely loved” the stylish white and gold customised Blank Cell BMX and would ride it to school and back every day from their Terry Gardens home,

But on December 10, barely two months after buying the bike, Liam was sent home from school feeling unwell and left his bike behind.

Returning the following day, he was “shocked, tearful and upset” to discover it had been stolen.

Having only recently moved to the area, attracted by its apparent lack of crime, the family were angered by the theft and were desperate to trace the precious bike.

“I can’t believe that anyone would have stooped so low as to steal from a kid – it’s just wrong,” said Mrs Dennis.

The donor, who wishes to remain anonymous, had been saddened to learn of Liam’s loss and kindly offered to buy the exact same make and model as a replacement.

Pedal Power Cycles agreed to assemble the bike for Liam and he was able to collect it from the local police station on Sunday. Liam has invested in an extra secure bike lock to deter any would-be thieves.